Article 48-A and 51-A (g) of Indian Constitution
Regarding Environment:
The Constitution of India recognizes the importance of
environmental protection and conservation.
- Article
48-A is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which, while
not enforceable in court, are considered fundamental in the governance of
the country. Article 48-A states: "The State shall endeavor to
protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and
wildlife of the country."
- Article
51-A (g) is part of the Fundamental Duties of citizens. It states that
"It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and
improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and
wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures."
Environmental Protection and Prevention Acts:
- The
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act was
established to prevent and control water pollution. It established the
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards
(SPCBs).
- The
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This act aims to
improve air quality and prevent air pollution. It empowers the CPCB and
SPCBs to regulate air quality standards.
- The
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: This act provides the framework
for coordination of activities of various central and state authorities
established under the previous water and air acts.
- The
Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, 1989: This regulation controls
the generation, collection, treatment, import, storage, and disposal of
hazardous waste.
CPCB and MPCB Norms and Responsibilities:
- Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The CPCB is a statutory organization
under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It promotes
cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air
in the country. CPCB sets the standards for air and water quality and also
regulates industrial pollution by implementing various environmental laws
and acts.
- Maharashtra
Pollution Control Board (MPCB): MPCB is the state board responsible
for implementing environmental laws and policies in the state of
Maharashtra. Like other SPCBs, it complements the work of the CPCB within
its jurisdiction and has similar responsibilities, including monitoring
and controlling water and air pollution.
Role of NGOs:
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a significant
role in environmental protection and conservation. They often engage in a range
of activities including:
- Advocacy
and Lobbying: NGOs often advocate for environmental policies and
regulations, and lobby government officials and businesses to take action
on environmental issues.
- Education
and Awareness: NGOs work to raise public awareness about environmental
problems and promote sustainable practices.
- Research
and Monitoring: Some NGOs conduct research on environmental issues,
and monitor environmental conditions and compliance with regulations.
- Direct
Action and Conservation: NGOs may also engage in direct action to
protect the environment, such as organizing clean-up activities, planting
trees, or establishing and managing protected areas.
Popular environmental NGOs in India include the Centre for
Science and Environment (CSE), World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India),
and Greenpeace India.